Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister of State has given such a comprehensive reply. I am delighted there will be discussion and a recognition of how important the matter is.

If we do not support the sport now it will die out. It will affect Irish racing hugely. No young talent will get the chance to become a jockey. No disadvantaged child will get the necessary training he or she would need, unless they can all afford to own their ponies, which is impossible. I know where the Minister of State's heart is on this. I know the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, will deal with this. I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, to go back to ensure that in some way we can get a small amount of funding for this group.

I have done some research on this. David Egan, who started out pony racing earlier this year won the €20 million Saudi Cup. Only a few short weeks ago Rory Cleary from the Athlone region, won the 2,000 Guineas on a horse called Mac Swiney. Again, he and his family have been huge supporters of pony racing, which is where they started.

Last night I was researching the Geesala races. One comment came up from an attendee at the 2019 event: "I'm still discovering the delightful gems in my own area - 50 plus years on. The Geesala races today was an absolute delight". I rest my case.